It’s a great day …what are you doing?

Hello friends, and how are you feeling? I hope you’re excellent, staying hydrated, taking care of your body and your mind, and checking in with friends and family.

It’s been a great week so far, and the weather is mild and lovely. I just finished another book Horrorstor and started The Last Apothecary. I also feel my body relaxing (more and more) as I head into summer with no added stress.

A Shot of Energy!

I love the energy and immunity shot drinks from the grocery store. I stumbled upon them looking for something else, read the ingredients, and thought, [ok] I can drink this. The immunity shot was really mild, and I would drink that in the winter months. The energy shot has a kick because of the turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne. [which always lingers on the back of my tongue] It’s a great boost in AM, and it’s gentle on my empty stomach.

My only issue was the price. Each juice costs between $3.00 – $4.00 for 2.0 oz, and if you get two weeks’ worth, it can really add up.  I thought with the simple ingredients; surely I could make my own and save a little money.

For about $40 or less (depending on where you shop), you can purchase all the ingredients you need for a daily shot. If you don’t have time to mix your own, the cheaper option is sold at Aldi. They have a “Kick it in the Ginger” or “Golden Child Turmeric” shot at $1.99 [if it’s in stock].

I look for the shots in glass bottles because glass is much more sustainable than petroleum-based single-use plastic, and I can decrease my carbon footprint by creating less waste.

The shot drinks all use the same basic ingredients, so here’s a breakdown of the benefits.

Ingredient info

Black Pepper: Rich in a potent antioxidant called piperine, which may help prevent free radical damage to your cells.

Cayenne: High in a number of nutrients, including vitamin C and provitamin A, a source of capsaicin that aids in pain relief, improved athletic performance, and lowered blood sugar levels.

Coconut Water: Besides being naturally sweet and hydrating, coconut water has several important nutrients and can help lower blood sugar and aid in better heart health.

Ginger: Can help reduce inflammation, soothe digestive issues, and enhance immune function. (Great for an upset stomach)

Lemon: Contains nutrients that may help support your cardiovascular health and protect against kidney stones and anemia, and may support heart health, weight control, lower cholesterol, and digestive health.

Pineapple: Rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage and disease. It also contains bromelain, a group of enzymes that may reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and boost immunity.

Turmeric: Packed with antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents, it helps to improve blood vessel function, support neurological health, and reduce the risks of heart attacks.

What’s Working For Me?

I will alternate between purchasing these little shots or making them myself.  I keep the glass bottles as they are a great measure of a 2 oz serving. My last haul left me with enough ingredients to last the entire month.  The only struggle is ginger juice.  I have used the powder, but the juice mixes better.

The only [physical] ginger juice I’ve seen is available on Amazon, and it’s priced at $19.99 for 32 oz.  I don’t know about you, but I rather struggle with the ginger knob (under $3) than spend $20.  Granted, it’s tedious because after you peel it, you shred it (with a box grater …a lemon zester works too) then I press that into a fine strainer to extract the juice.  One good-sized knob may give you one tablespoon.

My Quick Recipe

AM Energy Shot
Yields: 8-9 oz.
Serving Size: 2 oz.

1 – 6 oz. can of pineapple juice
2 tbsp. coconut water
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1-1 1/2 tablespoons of Ginger juice (or a teaspoon of grated powder)
You can use one or the other of these next two
1/2 tsp cayenne or
1/2 tsp turmeric

Add the ingredients to a jar or cup with a tight lid, then blend or shake.  Keep the remaining juice chilled, and shake before pouring, as you will see the dry ingredients fall to the bottom of your container.

NOTE: You can always adjust the ingredients if you want more or less ginger, pineapple, or coconut water, but I wouldn’t go heavy-handed on the cayenne or turmeric.

Some other great combinations are ginger, apple, and cayenne; raspberry, ginger, lemon; or lemon, apple, and turmeric.

I hope I’ve given you some great ideas to power your mornings, as well as boost your immune system with some clean ingredients.  You can find these little shots in the produce isle and your local grocery store.

Thanks for visiting the blog today, don’t forget to like, comment, or subscribe.  Have a great week. — Peace

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